Anxiety Depression Coping Strategies Anxiety Feeling uneasy or

Anxiety, Depression & Coping Strategies

Anxiety • Feeling uneasy or worried • Causes: New pressures; school, work, challenges that make life seem hectic, Relationships, Lack of Time Management, Perfectionism, can also be mental disorder, • Perfectionism – everything must be perfect! • Sleep habits affected and mild depression. • Reduce Anxiety by having realistic expectations, positive attitude, stress mgmt, physical activity, Time Management.

Depression • Prolonged feeling of helplessness, hopelessness, and sadness • 2 types: Reactive Depression: “Feeling Blue” Major Depression: Medical Condition requiring treatment Symptoms : Irritable, change in wt. or appetite, change in mood, sleep patterns, energy levels Experiencing these is normal on occasion – no more than 2 weeks Menu Work: What Works Activity and Recognizing Depression

Helps or Hinders • Helps: Realistic Goals, Exercising Vigorously, Cooking/Cleaning, Talking to a close friend, Being Active, Eating Healthy, Shopping with Friends, New Hobbies, Family • Hinders: Comparing, Daydreaming, skipping meals, Watching videos, Being Alone, Blaming, thinking of the past, Taking Pills, Drugs & Alcohol, Sleeping, Criticizing, Loafing (Lazy)

Coping Tools- Anxiety & Depression 1. Time Management – Your Responsibility! Set priorities – use your agenda! 2. Reduce the number of commitments – will the rewards be larger than the stress? Will it add negative stress? We often take on too many tasks. 3. Believe in Yourself – Be positive (use self-talk to pump yourself up!) 4. Exercise and Eat Right - take short breaks & exercise or get a healthy snack! 5. Sleep Healthy